From just Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels as the primary aesthetic treatments a decade ago, the variety and complexity of non-surgical aesthetic treatments has increased tremendously. Whether you plan to turn back the clock, lose a few inches or get acne spots under control, do check out this blog for the latest treatment options. We aim to be an online resource to assist you in navigating the mass of aesthetic and slimming treatments currently available in Malaysia.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Baby hairs on
the forehead is a common complaint among women who like to wear
their hair pulled back. These hairs are finer and shorter than the
rest of our hair. Whether our hair style is straight or curly,
removing stray hairs from the hair line is a worthwhile investment if you are intent on looking more polished and well-groomed.

Reality star Kim Kardashian has spoken
out about her obsession with hair removal and even admitted that she
used to wax her forehead. The brunette beauty said that up until few years ago she had baby hairs around her hairline until she tried
laser hair removal. Outdated photos showing Kim Kardashian with her natural hairline.

Kim Kardhasian pictured recently with a smooth forehead.

How does Laser Hair Removal works ?

The laser energy is selectively absorbed by dark coloured pigments within hair follicles leaving the surrounding skin intact. The hair is destroyed within the follicle. The limitation of laser hair removal is that light-coloured hairs (light
blonde or white hairs) cannot be removed using this method.

How many sessions of Laser Hair Removal do I need ?

To achieve a smooth hairline, most
people will need an average of 3 to 4 treatments, at approximately 4
to 8 weeks' intervals.

Are the results of Laser Hair Removal permanent ?

The effects of treatment are permanent,
although a touch-up may be required occasionally from time to time
for best results.

What are the possible side effects of Laser Hair
Removal ?

Laser hair removal is a very safe
procedure when performed by a well-trained and licensed doctor. In
the wrong hands, burns and patchy hyperpigmentation (darker then normal skin colour) or hypopigmentation
(lighter then normal skin colour) can occur.

What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal over
other methods of hair removal such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) ?

Laser hair removal can be safely performed on all skin types, including people with dark skin whereas most IPLs are only safe to treat those with fair skin types. In addition, the quality of IPL
machines can vary.

How do I prepare for Laser Hair Removal ?

If you are planning to undergo laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing and electrolysis for four weeks before the treatment because the doctor needs to locate the hairs' roots (which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking). You should also avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after treatment as sun exposure may increase the risk of complications following treatment.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

While tattoos are meant to be
permanent, it often occurs that the same tattoo that used to excite
us years back may not be appealing anymore and needs to be removed.
It is estimated that as many as 50% of people with tattoos will want
to have the tattoo removed later in their life.

Angelina Jolie had her " Billy Bob" tattoo removed and later replaced with

the geographical coordinates of the birthplaces of her children. Laser tattoo removal is the preferred option when the couple split up.

Tattoo removal used to involve painful
dermabrasion, salabrasion (scrubbing the skin with salt) and surgical
excision of the tattoo. These older methods could leave horrendous scars but fortunately such drastic methods are no longer necessary. Laser
tattoo removal was first introduced 20 years ago and has come a long
way since.

How does laser tattoo removal work ?

A pigment laser (such as Q-switch Nd:YAG laser) removes tattoo by
selectively breaking up the tattoo pigments with a
high-intensity light beam. Pigments that are broken into smaller
particles are then eliminated by the body's immune system.

Photo source : Bruce Saal, M.D, Los Gatos, CA

Clinical photos to demonstrate the efficacy of laser tattoo removal

How many sessions of laser tattoo removal treatment do I need ?

It is difficult to know exactly how many treatments will be required as the success of laser tattoo
removal depends on factors such as tattoo size, colour, location and depth of ink. Black tattoo pigments absorb more laser energy, making it the easiest to treat. Generally, a small, black amateur tattoo can be removed in 1 to 2 treatments at 6 to 8 weeks apart but more treatment sessions are usually required for coloured tattoos.

Is laser tattoo removal painful ?

Topical anaesthetic agent is required for the procedure. The sensation of laser tattoo removal is similar to a hot pin repeatedly pricking the skin. Many patients feel that the procedure involves some degree of mild discomfort and is easier to tolerate than the tattooing itself.

What are the complications
of laser tattoo removal ? Is it safe ?

In
the hands of an experienced doctor, the risk associated with laser
tattoo removal is minimal. Possible side effects include temporary
darkening of the treated skin or the treated skin becomes lighter than the
normal skin tone, incomplete removal of the tattoo and
scarring.

As with other aesthetic procedures, the skill and expertise of the operator is crucial. Laser tattoo removal, which is otherwise a very safe option for tattoo removal, may prove to be harmful if not done by an experienced doctor.

Dr. Teh graduated with a medical degree from University of Malaya and obtained a Graduate Diploma in Dermatology from National University of Singapore. She has also been awarded a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (USA) and Fellowship in Dermatologic Laser Surgery by Mahidol University, Thailand. She is a fully registered medical doctor with the Malaysian Medical Council.

Disclaimer

The information published in this blog is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The information is not intended to replace or augment a consultation with a health care professional regarding the reader's own medical care.